Interview with Author Kate Hinderer (The Emerald Isle)

Kate Hinderer

Good day everyone!  Today My Bookshelf welcomes Kate Hinderer, author of The Emerald Isle!  She and her book are on a virtual blog tour from July 16 to August 31 and My Bookshelf is honoured to be included! The Emerald Isle has a lot to offer so I felt you just have to meet this amazing author.  Here she is:

Hey, I’m author Kate Hinderer and I’m lucky enough to be guest posting for the day as part of the blog book tour for The Emerald Isle. This book is part paranormal, part contemporary fiction and has adventure, romance, suspense, and a whole lot of sand. Shirley sent me some questions to answer about influences…

Who is your greatest influence in your writing? Is it odd if I answer my parents for this one? They aren’t writers at all, in fact initially they didn’t want me to pursue this path. A journalism major – gasp! But for better or worse, as I craft a story and then write the book I always envision them reading it. I want them to be proud of the work instead of embarrassed that their daughter writes YA novels. There are times when I’ll tweak a scene or conversation with that in mind – I think it makes my writing better as a result.

If there were one book you wish you had written, what would it be and why? Just one? I could list a dozen… The Hunger Games, My Name is Asher Lev, Wuthering Heights. But if I really had to pick one I would say A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle. It has everything I love in a book – romance, family, love, life, death, friendship, tears and laughs.

What was your favorite book as a child? I feverishly read the entire Nancy Drew series, which was followed by the Wizard of Oz series. I loved the mystery of Nancy Drew and the magical made-up place of Oz.

Did you always aspire to being a writer? Yes! I started writing short stories and novels featuring my friends in Victorian England as early as 7th grade. The love of writing firmly implanted itself within my by high school. At that point I restarted the school paper and typed out my first novel attempt. It was called A Single Yellow Rose and I thought it was brilliant. When I went off to college and my family moved houses I threw it out. I now wish I had saved it to at least show me how far I’ve come. I’m sure it was horrible.

If you have traveled, what is your favorite destination and why? I’m a huge fan of traveling. I having had much of a chance in the last couple years but I would have to say Rome is, so far, my favorite city to visit. I’ve been there three times so far and there is just something so magically wonderful about the place. I’m toying with a story idea that would take place there – a little When In Rome and Monte Carlo style story. We’ll see if that pans out onto the page.

Where is your favorite place to read? Oddly enough, I don’t think I have one. I don’t have a lot of free time, so I read when ever there is a moment of downtime. Thankfully I carry my iPhone with the Kindle app with me everywhere so I can dive into a book any time I have a few minutes. Ultimately, I’d love the chance to curl up on a coach in front of a warm fire while it snows outside and lose myself in a book. Maybe that will happen this winter.

What do you like to read? Young Adult. Young adult everything. I think something happened to me, because I often feel like the perpetual 16-year-old; well minus the awkwardness and angsty feel. Still I am in my late twenties and still love watching teen movies and reading teen books. In the YA category I tend to like things that are more contemporary. I like some paranormal, but I like it to seem at least slightly realistic. I suppose I want my ‘creatures’ to have some human qualities too. 

Do you have another book in the wings? Yup! Book two of the series is in plotting mode. I’ll knock out the writing of at least the first half during the month of August while I’m on vacation. It doesn’t have a name yet, but I can tell you Falcon will feature pretty prominently in this one. I’m also a couple chapters into two other books that I’m considering. They are both contemporary fiction and have been swirling in my mind for a couple years.

Ideally, I’d love to see the second book of the Fascination Island series out around the New Year and a contemporary YA book out next spring. We’ll see how all of that goes with my other freelance projects and my upcoming move halfway across the country.

You can grab your own copy of the book at http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Isle-Fascination-Island-ebook/dp/B008LG78XW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343598186&sr=8-1&keywords=kate+hinderer (Amazon), http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-emerald-isle-kate-hinderer/1112112881?ean=2940014610056 (Barnes & Noble), and https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179434 (Smashwords).

Fifth Avenue, 5 AM by Sam Wasson

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.  

Author:  Sam Wasson

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published:  June 22, 2010

Pages:  256

ISBN-13: 978-0061774157

Due to a delay in the postal service, I have not yet received my copy of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M., though I certainly check the mailbox, eagerly, each day hoping to find it has arrived.  From the introduction, reviews and the press release, I have gathered the following:

Breakfast at Tiffany's, the movie, is a charming story of lovely, unattainable Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn.  Originally based on the book, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, the movie had five Oscar nominations, of which it won two.  The plot centres around Miss Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) who almost seems to have an identity crisis, as she is one person to one and another to another, and still another to herself.  Confusing perhaps, but certainly entertaining and Audrey Hepburn plays the role with a certain je ne said quoi, endearing her to all who have the pleasure of enjoying films starring the actress who made the little black dress become synonymous with quiet elegance.

This is the premise of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M., the story behind the scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany's. We learn that Truman Capote originally wanted Marilyn Monroe cast as Holly Golightly, and while Marilyn has her assets, Audrey's vision on screen perfectly captures the character.  There are many more wonderful tidbits and for an Audrey Hepburn fan,this book   is a must.  Audrey almost did not take the role, afraid it would tarnish the image she protectively held in public and in her private life.  It is interesting to note that of all the films Ms. Hepburn starred in, most recall Breakfast at Tiffany's in relation to her acting career.

Today I came upon a co-worker who had picked up the book, Fifth Avenue, 5 AM out of curiosity, had quickly read the first three chapters and was unwilling to put it down.  She was enamoured!  I have read nothing but good about this "expose" of the movie, the novella, the writer, director and the star.  Until it arrives in my mailbox, I leave this with you with much anticipation.

Review to follow......  

For more information, visit the author's website:  Sam Wasson.

Visit other book blogs participating in this tour http://tlcbooktours.com/2011/08/sam-wasson-author-of-fifth-avenue-5-a-m-on-tour-september-2011

Book Review/Book Tour: Quest for the Nail Prints by Don Furr

Quest for the Nail Prints

Author:  Don Furr
ISBN: 978-1936438020
Publisher: Sheaf House
Date of publish: March 2011
Pages: 352
Source:  complimentary electronic version (PDF) suppled by the publisher


(Press Release)  Memphis, TN - Feb 8, 2011 - Beyond the realm of what some would call "the box" for lack of a better term, a theory stirs deep with author Don Furr's soul, an insatiable desire floating unconstrained somewhere between the boundaries of truth and imagination.  The concept of time travel.  And though logic seemingly wars against it, Don Furr wrestled with a creative spirit and found the courage to dream.


Haven't we all dreamed of walking with Jesus? Wondered what it would be like to talk with Him as He peers into our eyes and tells us the secrets of why. Do you long to touch His face and calloused hands, knowing full well that your only response could be nothing more than a trembling smile as He brushes away your tears and peers into your soul? Do you want to hold Him close and never let go? What if you could touch the scars and thank Him for what He did for you? For us all.


Quest for the Nail Prints is the story of three ordinary people, chosen by God for an extraordinary opportunity. A journey so amazing, even they have a hard time believing that it is real. Through unrelated circumstances, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, Reverend Paul Ryann and Professor Leonardo Van Eaton find themselves sharing a journey to the Holy Lands...when suddenly they are thrust back in time nearly two thousand years and find themselves face to face with the rugged radical Nazarene known throughout the region as Jesus of Nazareth.


This is the story of how a personal encounter with the living Christ in His time creates the journey of a lifetime!  With thousands of books on the market, what makes this one different? There is literally a hole punched through the entire book, from front to back.

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My review: 

There is something so fascinating and surreal about time travel.  Many have tried to achieve the ability to travel back into history.  In Quest for the Nail Prints, Don Furr does just that.  The reader is captivated in this page turner as the three characters in this novel; Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, Reverand Paul Ryann, and Professor Leonardo Van Eaton; for various reasons, travel to Jerusalem.  After witnessing a murder, the three must run for their lives.  Terrified, they find an unlocked door which they enter in, seeking refuge.  When the floor collapses they fall back in time, back to the days of Jesus.   Two are drawn to the crowd surrounding Jesus and join them, walking with Him and His disciples the days prior to His arrest, torture and crucifixion.  One disappears, on a quest of his own.

Quest For the Nail Prints is artfully written, with each character carefully developed and portrayed.  This is a story of betrayal, denial and pure love.  It doesn't matter your religion, this work of fiction will draw you in and keep you captivated.  I enjoyed every minute of it!

Rated 5/5
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From the Author:  Why the Hole?


"The idea of the nail hole surfaced during the first draft," said Don Furr. "From the very start, I knew the part the nails would play. From there, the process simply took its natural course. The idea quickly flourished into the nail prints marking every page, much in the same way I picture the nails touching every page of our lives. It only seemed natural that they should touch every page of the story."

"Quest for the Nail Prints has been a dream come true for me! I have lived it, dreamed about it and even carried my laptop all over the world while writing it. From my home here in Tennessee to the icy waters of Alaska. From Mount Haleakala in Maui to Paris to London to Spain and Amsterdam. From the mountains of Romania to the dusty roads of Jerusalem-twice, even!"



"This story has bits and pieces of all of those places intertwined within its pages, and yet, it's as if the story has only begun. In my heart I guess I'll never be finished with it, not completely, but for the sake of the reader, there is a final chapter. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I have."
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Don Furr's website is: http://questtothenailprints.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Quest-for-the-Nail-Prints-by-Don-Furr/161593430534165
http://questforthenailprints.blogspot.com/

The book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books-a-Million
B&N link is: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Quest-for-the-Nail-Prints/Don-Furr/e/9781936438020/?itm=1&USRI=quest+for+the+nail+prints

Book Tour: Lessons From the Concrete Garden by Kurtis Smith

Lessons From

 the

Concrete Garden

Author:  Kurtis Smith
Copyright:  2011
Self-published:  Outskirts Press, Inc.
67 pages

Includes:  Acknowledgments, Letter to the Reader, Diagrams, About the PSSE Training Program and the K-Method Group, Program Information

ISBN # 978-1-4327-6426-5

Source:  Supplied by the author for review without compensation to me

(from the back cover)  "Over a decade has been spent in research, development and field testing in order to identify and document the specific skill sets, characteristics and knowledge of a highly skilled and professional salesperson. Lessons From the Concrete Garden is a by-product of this work and is packed with insight and ideas that will explain why many salespeople struggle and most fail. It shines a spotlight on the struggling automotive industry and its selling practices and asks the question: how is it possible to spend billions of dollars on R&D, manufacturing and marketing to produce some of the most technologically advanced and complex products, then miss the mark when it comes to educating the individuals responsible for selling them? It drives the point home that salespeople are the first and last to touch the actual buyers of these products and they are probably the most important spoke in the business development wheel and are deserving of a quality and proper education.

This exciting book provides real answers and proposes real solutions for businesses and selling professionals that are struggling to find a plan of action that actually works. It discusses what to do, when to do it, how to do it and why it needs to be done. Lessons From the Concrete Garden is a Gem! This is a must read for anyone involved in selling, training or business development."

"The Concrete Garden is a metaphor for the automobile dealership sales lots.  This is where all the cars are neatly arranged and salespeople are standing at the doors or looking out the windows as if to watch them grow, while waiting for the next customer to show up."

My Review:  Kurtis Smith once worked as a car salesman,  He quickly surpassed the other salspeope in sales but then found no further assistance to keep his momentum.  No training.  His sales manager was of no assistance.  Kurtis  recognized the need for a program, some training that would provide a template for a standardized education for all inidviduals involved in sales and sales management.   He wrote "it is virtually impossible for the average person in the workforce to learn and retain new information, especially if they are expected to apply it immediately.  ...without the ability to repeat the training over and over again, the learner is forced to try to remember the content, the nuances, and even the finer points of the subject matter in order to apply them, which is quite difficult."  Kurtis then outlines the things necessary to make the learning curve easier to accomplish. 

Within the book, Lessons From the Concrete Garden, Kurtis uses the comparison of puppy training to that of teaching new and desirable behaviours within the workplace.  Quotes from fantastic leaders reinforce Kurtis Smith's theory that salesmanship isn't something you're born with, it is something that can be learned.  He has put together a program that will educate, set guidelines and includes a monitoring system to achieve success.  This book touches upon those components. Take a moment to check out his website, http://www.kmethod.com/. 

Kurtis Smith writes with clarity and assurance.  If I were a proprietor of a business, I would seriously want to use his methodology.  He is, by the way, available for public speaking engagments too.  I would have liked to have some in-depth teaching within this book but that would detract from his program.  Perhaps in the future he will develop a manual with The K-Method fully outlined for entrepreneurs that can be purchased separate from the program.  At the very least, one is aware of steps that can be taken to strengthen their sales personnel by reading and implementing some of the ideas touched upon here.  As he recommends, put the salesperson together first, and then his or her sales will come together too. 

This book is not limited to sales personnel.  There are some valuable ideas here to help the average person to reach beyond their current limitations to succeed.


Rated:  4/5 (reference)

Blog Tour Links: http://www.kmethod.com/products.php

 http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore/9781432764265.html

For more information, visit the author's webpage www.outskirtspress.com/lessonsfromtheconcretegarden

Website Address: http://www.kmethod.com/
Blog Address: www.kmethod.com/blog

(Dewey Decimal challenge)

Book Tour: Sudden Moves by Kelli Sue Landon (& Ground Floor BTT meme)

Sudden Moves by Kelli Sue Landon
A Young Adult Mystery
Copyright 2011
Publisher:  Outskirts Press, December 2010
230 Pages
ISBN 978-1-4327-6714-3 (hardback)
978-1-4327-6713-6 (paperback)
Genre:  Fiction; Action/Adventure; Young Adult, Mystery
Available at www.outskirtspress.com/bookstore or www.outskirtspress.com/kellisuelandon, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Author Website:  http://www.kellisuelandon.com/
Source:  Provided by the author for review purposes

(from the cover)  "Katie Brashers announced to her friends that she was taking a trip to Florida for spring break, but when class resumes, Katie isn't in attendance.  Her friend Michelle Martin grows suspicious, especially since she let Katie borrow a treasured family book that she failed to return.  Not to mention, Katie never said goodbye to her devoted boyfriend, Brad.  Michelle confides in her best friend, Tami.  Dodging Michelle's demanding mother, they team up with Brad and form their investigation by talking to neighbors and looking inside Katie's house. Michelle is about ready to give up until she takes her dog on his daily walk and uncovers a clue that leads her closer to the truth, but also throws her into circumstances beyond her control."

As I read this book, which held my interest from beginning to end with no lag whatsoever, I thought I'd have the mystery solved or I'd think "wouldn't it be cool if this is what happened".  But I was wrong.  The story of Katie's disappearance grew more climatic, a body was found in Katie's back yard, and the mystery grew darker still. 

The author did a great job giving an authentic voice to the teens involved in the novel.  The story is told from Michelle's perspective and calls back memories of myself at that age.  Situations are dramatic at 16 and initially the reader thinks just that, that Michelle is overdramatising the disappearance of her friend who went for vacation during spring break and didn't return.  School faculty think nothing of it as they were informed the family moved to Florida.  Only Katie's friends find suspicion in this.  Afterall, one doesn't just move away on a whim, not saying goodbye to friends and especially boyfriends.  Do they?

I enjoyed this debut novel from this up and coming author.  Teens, especially girls, and women will find this mystery captivating.  It doens't compare to the witches or vampires series that are all the rage right now.  This is realistic with characters like those you attend/went to school with.  That's what differentiates Sudden Moves from the rest and that's a good thing! 

If you enjoy a quick read with depth and mystery and a little romance, you'll like this novel.  Watch this author!  She has the makings of a best-seller!  Kelli Sue Landon has another book soon to be published.  See my post tomorrow for an author interview and news of her upcoming novel. 

Rated 4.5/5



This book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.  I have not received any remuneration to do so.  This by no means influences this review nor opinion of this work nor the author.


Joining the Thirsty for Comments Thursday blog hop.  It's my first TFCT.  What do you think of this review?  Does it entice you to read this book, Sudden Moves?  Let me know in the comments section and please leave a link to your blog and the post you want comments on.  Have a great week, everyone!

Booking Through Thursday posts this topic to book bloggers this week:  There’s something wonderful about getting in on the ground floor of an author’s career–about being one of the first people to read and admire them, before they became famous best-sellers.
Which authors have you been lucky enough to discover at the very beginning of their careers?  I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a virtual book tour for up and coming author, Kelli Sue Landon.  Her first novel, Sudden Moves - a Young Adult Mystery, is featured here today and with several other blogs.  She has an upcoming book signing which you can read more about in tomorrow's interview with the author.  Her second novel is going to print and she is writing her third.  Exciting things are happening for Kelli!  Watch this author!

And, if you’ve never had that chance, which author do you WISH you’d been able to discover at the very beginning?  Had I been able to time travel to discover some famous authors at the beginning of their careers, I would have liked to have been there to discover Agatha Christie, to have seen her first novel come to fruition and to watch her career take off to the success it still enjoys today!  Additionally, I'd liked to have witnessed the genesis of careers such as John Grisham, Stephen King, Michael Creighton and J.K. Rowling.

I wish Kelli continued success as she pursues her writing career!!